RfR Staff

Recovering from Religion is thrilled to have a diverse and talented group on board as our staff. Each staff member brings not only experience and skill, but a unique perspective on helping those who are dealing with the negative impact of religion in their everyday lives.

Gayle Jordan, Executive Director

Gayle is a former Southern Baptist who left the faith 10 years ago when her then-teenagers began asking questions she could not answer. Her research led her (and her children) into the light of reason and rationality. Years later, she still feels the effects, both positive and negative, of that dramatic shift in perspective and attitude. It is this sympathy and compassion that drives her to reach out to help others navigate the emotional and physical process involved in leaving one's faith.

Gayle is an attorney and former personal trainer. She lives on Freethought Farm in middle Tennessee, where she spends her days amongst her longhorns, goats, donkeys, chickens, and dogs. She blogs about life on the farm, endurance event training, and secularism at Happy. Healthy. Heathen.

Dr. Caleb Lack, Secular Therapy Project Director

Calebis an Associate Professor of Psychology and Practicum Coordinator in the Department of Psychology at the University of Central Oklahoma. A clinical psychologist licensed to practice in Oklahoma , Dr. Lack is the author of six books (including Critical Thinking, Science, & Pseudoscience: Why You Can't Trust Your Brain) and more than 40 scientific publications. In addition, Dr. Lack has presented nationwide and internationally at conferences on a variety of topics, including obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, paranormal belief and skepticism, innovative teaching and training methods, and more. He is on the editorial board of several scientific journals and a reviewer for both journals and granting agencies.

In addition to courses on his clinical and research specialties, Dr. Lack also teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on critical thinking, science, and pseudoscience. These recently culminated in an wiki as well as a series of documentaries on pseudoscience and superstition in Oklahoma. He writes the "Great Plains Skeptic" column on the Skeptic Ink Network, as well as presenting about skepticism and critical thinking frequently. Dr. Lack is also the founding advisor of the UCO Skeptics, a campus group dedicated to the application and promotion of reason and scientific skepticism in all areas of life.

A native Oklahoman, Dr. Lack grew up in the rural community of Mountain View, where his parents still reside and farm and ranch on land that has been owned by the family for close to 100 years. He currently resides in Edmond, Oklahoma with his beautiful wife and brilliant son on a wonderful little property called Freethought Farm.

Justin Walters, Helpline Director

Justin is the Director of the RfR Helpline, where anyone struggling with religion can find empathy, community, and most of all, a listening ear. He manages the Helpline on a day-to-day basis, ensuring volunteers are prepared to meet the needs of those who reach out to us, as well as growing our online presence and community.

After growing up in the evangelical Christian faith and remaining there until his early 30's, serious doubts about his faith began to take root that Justin could no longer ignore. Two years of intense research and internal turmoil eventually resulted in his leaving religion behind altogether, embracing reason and skepticism in its place. Though the road since then has been difficult, particularly in his role as the only secular member of an otherwise religious family, he is thrilled to be in a position now where he can help others who may be grappling with their own doubts and shifting beliefs.

Justin lives just southwest of Houston,Texas with his wife and three daughters. He has a background in electrical engineering, and currently works as a Project Development Engineer in the Renewable Energy market. He has dabbled in writing and music, and in his free time enjoys reading, playing games, and spending time with his amazing family.

Brian Charles Fleming, Resource Curator

Brian sees to it that the links on the Resources page of our website are easily accessible and helpful to people making the move from faith to reason. The Resources include a mix of websites, blogs, podcasts, videos, books, and essays that are categorized for non-believers, believers, seekers & doubters, and those looking for mental health support. Brian welcomes Resource suggestions from our clients, volunteers, and supporters.

Brian studies philosophy, science, and the advice of great thinkers which he uses in his work in the auto industry and volunteer service helping people overcome addiction and irrational beliefs. He earned a Master of Liberal Arts & Science with a concentration in Ethics at Vanderbilt University and also holds two business degrees. He likes sports, music, and plays in a roots rock band. Brian is active in the secular community in Nashville and lives with his wife of 30+ years in nearby Franklin, Tennessee.

Rhonda Dorle, Support Groups Director

Born and raised in Oklahoma, Rhonda has been an activist in the secular community since 2010. She was appointed Vice President of the Atheist Community of Tulsa in 2011, where she co-founded the Oklahoma Freethought Convention (FreeOk), as well as created numerous atheist/secular community outreach programs for the area. In May 2011 her passion for free thought led her to help spearhead the Freedom from Religion Foundation's "Out Of The Closet" campaign in Tulsa, where she now resides. Rhonda currently is the head facilitator of the local chapter of Recovering from Religion. She is the former vice president of Camp Quest Oklahoma, a secular camp for kids with the expressed goal of teaching children "How to think" instead of "What to think".

As a manager and empathy coach in her daily life, she teaches others the importance of finding genuine human connections in their professional and personal lives.